Casualties from coal mine explosions fall sharply in China

The number of deaths caused by coal mine gas explosions in China declined sharply during the first half of this year, coal mine safety authorities said.

A total of 245 people died in 62 gas explosions that occurred between January and June this year, a year-on-year reduction of 31.2 and 25.3 percent respectively, the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety said.